Deck the Halls

Christmas remains one of the most commercially important periods for independent hospitality businesses. Great festive décor isn’t just a nice to have, it can boost footfall, increase dwell time, create standout moments for social media, and adds to the overall customer experience. Whether you run a pub, café, restaurant, street food unit or event space, thoughtful decoration can help you make the most of peak season.

Start with a Strong Theme

Choosing a clear theme helps your décor feel intentional rather than cluttered. A consistent style also helps your branding carry through into the festive season.

Themes that work well include:

• Classic & Cosy: Reds, golds, evergreen and warm lighting.
• Scandi Minimalist: Soft woods, neutral tones and natural foliage.
• Winter Wonderland: Whites, frosted greens and cool sparkle.
• Retro Christmas: Bright colours, disco baubles, quirky signage.
• Local & Handmade: Involving makers, schools, or community groups.

Prioritise High-Impact Areas

You don’t need to decorate every corner to make a big impression. Focus on areas customers see first or spend the most time in.

Key festive zones:

• Front entrance: Think wreaths, greenery and warm exterior lighting to draw people in from the street.
• Bar or service counter: Garlands, baubles or a small tree can add atmosphere without affecting workflow.
• Windows: Dressing windows or creating a festive illustration can create a big impact and drive interest in your business.
• Tabletops: Subtle centrepieces, candles or winter foliage.
• Bathrooms: Small touches like festive scents or foliage elevate the guest experience.

Let Lighting do the Heavy Lifting

Lighting sets the mood more than any other décor element. It’s also cost-effective and space efficient.

What works well:

• Warm white fairy lights
• Battery-operated candles
• Soft uplighting
• Festoon lighting outdoors

Use Scent & Sound to Build Atmosphere

Festive décor shouldn’t just be visual.

Scent ideas: pine, clove, mulled spices, or subtle orange. Use diffusers sparingly, especially near food.

Sound: Create a playlist that suits your theme whether that’s acoustic winter classics or upbeat party tracks.

Tip: Keep volume low enough that customers can talk comfortably. Christmas should enhance the experience, not overwhelm it.

Incorporate Your Food & Drink into the Décor

Your Christmas menu is part of the overall festive feel so highlight it through your décor.

Ideas include:

• Seasonally themed chalkboards
• Displays featuring festive bakes, bottled drinks or cocktail ingredients
• Using garnish elements (dried orange, eucalyptus, rosemary) in decorations

Make It Practical & Safe

Decorations should look good and support smooth, safe operations.

Top considerations:

• Keep walkways and fire exits clear
• Avoid trailing wires
• Use flame-retardant materials
• Prioritise stable, safe placements

Remember: festive décor is an addition to your functioning business, not an obstacle.

Get Your Team & Community Involved

Team-led decorating boosts morale, and customers notice when a venue feels personal and homemade rather than overly commercial.

Ways to involve others:

• Collaborate with a local florist or maker
• Invite a nearby school to create decorations
• Run a “decorate a bauble” afternoon and display customer creations

This builds community connection and gives you great content for social media.

Create a Photo Opportunity

Whether you’re a café, pub, restaurant or street food trader, a photogenic spot encourages customers to share their visit online.

You could create:

• A beautifully lit Christmas tree corner
• A branded festive backdrop
• A quirky prop that’s unique to your venue

Outdoor Spaces

Even on colder days, well-designed outdoor areas attract customers.

Add:

• Festoon lights
• Blankets and cushions
• Firepits or heaters
• Simple wreaths or planters

Plan Ahead for the New Year Transition

Choose decorations that can transition smoothly into January.

Easy swaps:

• Keep warm lighting and winter foliage
• Remove explicitly Christmas-themed items first
• Replace red accents with more neutral tones

This helps your venue avoid the post-Christmas slump and keeps it feeling fresh through winter.

Independent hospitality businesses have an advantage at Christmas: customers actively seek warmth, personality and atmosphere, things big chains often can’t deliver as authentically. You don’t need a huge budget to make a huge impact. You just need a clear theme, thoughtful lighting, clever use of space, and décor that complements your brand and your festive menu.